Thinking about spending Christmas in Nablus? You’ll probably get mild but cool weather, and there’s a decent chance it’ll rain. Daytime temperatures usually sit in the mid-50s to low-60s °F (about 12–16°C), while nights drop to the low-to-mid 40s °F (6–8°C). Rain showers show up pretty often, but heavy storms don’t happen much, so you get a mix of crisp air and that damp winter vibe.
December feels cooler than November, but it’s not as cold as January, which always seems to be the coldest month. Shorter days and more clouds create a wintry atmosphere, making the holiday season feel cozy and seasonal, but thankfully, not freezing.
This blend of cool temperatures, occasional rain, and the occasional clear winter sky gives December in Nablus a special mood. Whether you’re wandering historic streets, browsing the markets, or just soaking in the scenery, the weather really shapes your holiday experience.
Overview of Nablus Climate
Nablus sits up in the northern West Bank, and its elevation plus the Mediterranean nearby really affect the weather. You get hot, dry summers and then cool, wetter winters, with pretty clear changes between seasons.
Climate Classification and Geography
Nablus has a Mediterranean climate (Csa), so summers are hot and dry, while winters are mild and wet. The city sits at about 760 meters (2,494 feet) above sea level, which keeps it cooler than a lot of the lower areas around Palestine.
The hills around Nablus catch moisture, so the city gets more rain than the valleys nearby. Most of the rain falls in winter, and summer is basically dry.
Average annual temperature hovers around 23–24°C (73–75°F). Compared to the coast, nights feel cooler and the humidity drops a bit, especially in spring and autumn. This balance makes the climate feel more comfortable, even when summer gets hot.
Seasonal Weather Patterns
You’ll find hot summers from June to September, with daytime highs hitting 28–30°C (82–86°F). Rain basically disappears, and the skies stay clear. Late summer gets a bit humid, but early summer’s dry air makes being outside feel better.
Winters run from December through February, bringing cooler days with highs around 11–13°C (52–56°F) and lows near 6°C (43°F). Rain falls pretty often, and December and January usually get over 150 mm (6 in) each month.
Spring (March–May) warms up quickly, with highs rising from 16°C (61°F) to 25°C (77°F). By May, rain drops off fast. Autumn (October–November) is gentle, with temps between 21–26°C (70–79°F) and rain starting to come back.
| Season | Avg High °C | Avg Low °C | Rainfall Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winter | 11–13 | 6 | Heavy, frequent rain |
| Spring | 16–25 | 9–15 | Gradual decline |
| Summer | 28–30 | 18–20 | Very dry |
| Autumn | 21–26 | 13–16 | Increasing rain |
Typical December Weather in Nablus
December in Nablus brings cooler days, more rain, and shorter daylight hours. You’ll get mild daytime temps but chilly nights, and the weather’s definitely damper than other months.
Average Temperatures During Christmas
Daytime temperatures in December usually reach 14–16°C (57–61°F). At night, it cools down to 6–8°C (43–46°F), so you’ll want a jacket or sweater if you’re out in the evenings.
It’s rare for temps to drop below 4°C (39°F), but the air feels sharper because of the hills. Daytime highs don’t really go above 18°C (64°F).
The temperature range stays pretty steady, so you can count on a predictable climate. If you’re used to the region’s hot summers, December’s air will feel refreshingly mild.
Rainfall and Rainy Days
December is one of the wettest months in Nablus. You’ll see about 150–160 mm (6 in) of rain during the month, spread out over 10–12 rainy days.
Rain usually comes in short but heavy showers, sometimes lasting only a few hours. You might catch a thunderstorm or two, but they don’t happen all that often.
Because of all this rain, paths and streets can get slippery. If you’re walking around the old city or checking out outdoor spots, waterproof shoes and an umbrella are a good idea.
Cloud Cover and Sunshine Hours
December brings a lot of cloud cover, so you won’t get much direct sunlight. On average, expect 10 hours of daylight but only 4–5 hours of real sunshine.
Short days mean it’s best to plan outdoor stuff for late morning or early afternoon. Sometimes the sky clears after rain, but mostly, overcast weather sticks around.
Here’s a simple table for a quick look:
| Measure | December Average |
|---|---|
| Daylight hours | ~10 hrs |
| Sunshine duration | 4–5 hrs |
| Cloudy days | Frequent |
Wind Speed and Humidity
Winds in December usually stay light to moderate, averaging 8–12 km/h (5–7 mph). Most of these breezes blow in from the west, bringing moisture from the Mediterranean.
Humidity runs high, often 65–75%, which can make the air feel damp and colder than you’d expect. Indoors, especially in stone buildings, that chill can really settle in.
If you’re sensitive to dampness, pack layers that keep you warm but also breathe a bit. The combo of cool air, rain, and humidity makes December feel way different from the dry summer.
Comparing December to Other Winter Months
Temperatures in Nablus shift steadily through winter, with December kicking off the cooler, wetter stretch. Rain falls often, and January and February each bring their own changes in temperature and rain.
Weather in January
January always ends up as the coldest month in Nablus. Daytime highs usually reach about 13°C (56°F), while nighttime lows drop close to 5°C (42°F). You’ll need warm layers if you’re out after sunset.
Rainfall peaks in January. Precipitation averages around 119 mm, making it one of the wettest months. Rainy days often bring steady showers, not just quick bursts, so that can mess with travel or outdoor plans.
You still get about 10–10.5 hours of daylight, which is enough for sightseeing if you plan right. Roads and trails can get muddy, so waterproof shoes are smart. If you like fewer crowds, January is quieter than December’s holiday rush.
Weather in February
By February, temperatures start climbing a bit. Highs hit 14–15°C (57–59°F), and lows hover around 6–7°C (43–45°F). It stays cool, but afternoons can feel pretty mild if the sun’s out.
Rain drops off compared to January but still matters. Precipitation averages about 74 mm, spread over several rainy days. Showers aren’t as intense, but you’ll still get damp days.
Daylight stretches out a little more, so you have more time for outdoor stuff. February feels like it’s halfway between winter and spring. If you like cool weather but not the heaviest rain, this month might fit your plans better than the earlier winter.
Precipitation and Rainfall Trends
Rainfall in Nablus hits its peak during winter, and December really stands out as one of the wettest periods of the year. You’ll get plenty of rainy days and big totals that shape the city’s winter climate.
Monthly Precipitation Patterns
December brings a sharp jump in rain compared to the dry summer. You’ll see about 113 mm of precipitation in the month, spread over several rainy days. December, January, and February are the big three for rainfall.
That’s typical for a Mediterranean climate—dry summers, and then winters bring most of the year’s rain. July and August often get just 0–1 mm, while December alone can bring in almost a quarter of the yearly total.
You’ll probably have 10–12 rainy days in December, so expect to get wet if you’re in town for Christmas. Light showers are normal, but sometimes heavier downpours hit, especially when cold fronts move in from the Mediterranean.
Winter Rainfall Extremes
December rainfall can swing a lot year to year. Some winters bring steady, moderate showers, while others dump heavier storms that push the monthly totals way up. January usually gets the most rain, but December isn’t far behind, making it a key part of the wet season.
The difference between wettest and driest months is huge. December averages over 100 mm, while July is basically dry. That contrast shows why winter rain matters so much for local water supplies.
Rain in December doesn’t always spread out evenly. A few big storms can deliver most of the month’s total in just a few days. So if you’re visiting for Christmas, pack for both dry breaks and sudden heavy rain.
Sunshine and Daylight Hours in December
December brings shorter days and less sunshine than summer. The mild winter conditions mean daylight and sunshine really affect how you plan your days.
Average Daily Sunshine
You’ll usually get about 6 hours of sunshine per day in Nablus during December. That’s less than spring or summer, but still enough to enjoy being outside if the sky clears up.
Rain is more common this month, so sunshine hours can change depending on the clouds and storms. Some days only offer brief sunny breaks, but drier days give you longer stretches of light.
Compared to gray December skies in northern Europe, Nablus feels brighter. Even in the rainy season, the city gets more sunshine than many colder places.
| Month | Avg Sunshine Hours |
|---|---|
| June | 11 hrs |
| September | 9 hrs |
| December | 6 hrs |
This mix of sun and rain means you’ll want both indoor and outdoor plans for late December.
Length of Daylight
Daylight hours in December are the shortest of the year. Around the winter solstice, the sun rises about 6:30–7:00 AM and sets around 4:30–5:00 PM, so you get roughly 10 hours of daylight.
Evenings come early, so if you want to sightsee, it’s best to do it late morning or early afternoon when the light’s best.
Daylight stays pretty steady throughout December. You won’t notice sunrise or sunset changing much until late January, when days start to get longer again.
That steady pattern helps you plan your schedule. Whether you’re exploring the old city or heading into the hills, knowing the daylight window lets you make the most of your visit.
How December Differs from Summer Months
In Nablus, the change from dry, hot summer to cool, wet winter is really obvious. You’ll notice not just the drop in temperature, but also the shift in rain and the amount of sunshine each day.
Temperature Contrast with July and August
In July and August, you’ll run into the hottest weather of the year. Daily highs usually climb to 84–85°F (29°C), while lows hang around 68°F (20°C).
These months can bring long stretches of warmth. Nights stay mild, and you might even forget what cool air feels like.
By December, the vibe totally shifts. Average highs only reach about 59°F (15°C), and lows dip to nearly 45°F (7°C).
You’ll probably want a jacket or sweater, especially after sunset.
The contrast jumps out at you because December days almost never feel hot, and July or August nights almost never feel cool. If you’re used to the summer heat, December’s chill can really catch you off guard.
Locals and visitors often rethink their plans—outdoor events in December usually mean bundling up and maybe heading inside earlier in the evening.
Rainfall and Dry Periods in Summer
Rainfall really sets December apart from the summer. In December, Nablus gets about 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, spread over several days.
Wet weather pops up often, so you should expect the occasional shower.
In July and August, rain just doesn’t show up. Both months average 0.0 inches, so you’re right in the middle of that long dry season that stretches from spring to early fall.
September cools off a bit, but things stay dry until late October.
During summer, you never really worry about rain gear. In December, though, it’s smart to get ready for wet conditions.
This shift from bone-dry summers to rainy winters gives the area its classic Mediterranean feel. It really shapes how people handle water, farming, and even simple travel plans.
Sunshine and Cloud Cover Comparison
Sunshine hours and cloud cover really change a lot throughout the year. In July and August, you get about 14 hours of daylight.
The skies stay clear or mostly clear nearly 100% of the time. Summer feels perfect for long days outside, though honestly, the heat might make you think twice about staying out too long.
By December, daylight drops to just over 10 hours. You’ll notice more clouds, with skies overcast or mostly cloudy about 29% of the time.
Sunshine still shows up, but it’s less dependable. Shorter days give you fewer chances to soak it in.
This shift definitely impacts your daily routine. In summer, you might plan late evening activities under bright skies.
But in December, you have to adapt to earlier sunsets and more gray days. These changes in light and cloud cover stand out just as much as the shifts in temperature and rainfall.